A delightful twist on the traditional Croatian Sarma, these cabbage rolls are packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Prepare the cabbage by removing the core and blanching the leaves in boiling water until pliable.
Blanching the cabbage makes the leaves easier to roll and prevents tearing.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, rice, egg, onion, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mix the filling thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
Place a portion of the filling onto a cabbage leaf and roll tightly, tucking in the sides.
Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed to prevent them from unrolling during cooking.
Arrange the rolls in a large pot, layering with crushed tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, and paprika.
Ensure the rolls are snugly packed to prevent them from moving during cooking.
Simmer the rolls on low heat for 2 hours, adding water if necessary to keep them submerged.
Cooking slowly allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
Serve the rolls hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Let the rolls rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.
